6 useful properties of dried pears for health and cooking recipe

Dried pear is a nutrient–rich product that can be an excellent dietary snack.

Scientists have confirmed some of the beneficial properties that dried pears have for health. They strengthen the immune system and improve intestinal function, prevent the development of type II diabetes mellitus and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Top 6 Proven Properties

Let's take a closer look at 6 facts about the benefits of dried pears for our body (based on research).

1. Source of valuable substances

Dried pears retain almost all the biologically active substances inherent in fresh fruit.

They have a pleasant taste and aroma, contain a lot of carbohydrates that give energy charge to the body, but are scarce in terms of energy value (calories per 100 grams of dried fruit is only 270 calories).

Dried pears contain the following vitamins and minerals:

Dried pears have a small glycemic index and do not negatively affect glucose metabolism in the body.

2. Strengthen bones and joints

Vitamins C and K, as well as calcium, which are abundant in dried fruit, are necessary to maintain metabolic processes in bone tissues.

With regular consumption of dried pears, how claim scientists, observed Improving bone mineral strength , which is very important for the prevention of osteoporosis and pathological fractures. Older people and post-menopausal women usually face similar problems.

Adequate mineral metabolism also helps protect the musculoskeletal system from a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

3. Reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus

During the drying process, the volume of bioflavonoids in the composition of pears practically does not change.

Bioflavonoids, according to the information experts from the USA significantly reduce the likelihood of manifestation of type II diabetes mellitus.

The healing effect of pears is associated with the following mechanisms:

1. Prevention of sudden spikes in blood sugar. Pears, as already mentioned, have a small glycemic index. They do not lead to sudden fluctuations in glucose in the blood plasma after consumption.
2. Reduction of insulin resistance. Dried fruit increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors (on fat and muscle tissue cells) to insulin. As a result, tissues effectively capture glucose, reducing its concentration in the blood.

Dried pears are recommended for people with any pathologies of the glycemic background (fasting hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, type II diabetes mellitus). They facilitate the course of these deviations.

4. Strengthen the immune system

Dried pears are abundant in copper and vitamin C, which support adequate functioning of the immune system .

Vitamin C plays a special role. Scientists from New Zealand discovered that vitamin C increases the effectiveness of the immune system against any external pathogens (viruses, fungi, bacteria and even protozoa).

Vitamin C is also involved in the functioning of both innate and acquired immunity.

Frequent consumption of any fresh fruits or dried fruits helps protect the body from the introduction of external infectious agents and reduce the risk of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

5. Improve the functioning of the organs of vision

Dried pears are rich in antioxidants, the most valuable of which are lutein and zeaxanthin.

These substances capable Prevent senile macular degeneration, protect the eyes from harmful solar radiation and increase visual acuity.

Dried pears help to support the work of the eyes during prolonged work, reducing the severity of overwork.

6. They support the work of the intestines

Pears contain large volumes of dietary fiber (about 1/3 of the daily value in 100 grams).

Fiber is extremely important for the smooth functioning of the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall. It promotes the rapid passage of feces through the distal sections of the digestive tube.

Dried pears, according to specialists from the USA can act as an effective remedy for the prevention and relief of constipation, which is most common in the elderly.

Dried fruit also regulates the composition of the microflora of the large intestine. It increases the number of beneficial microorganisms, inhibits the growth and reproduction of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria. Maintaining a constant adequate composition of the intestinal microbiocenosis reduces the risk of developing infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Possible harm

Dried pears are relatively safe for health. Side effects are extremely rare, but can cause harm to the body:

1. Exacerbation of chronic intestinal diseases. Abuse of dried pears or their intake in the morning in large doses can lead to an exacerbation of pathologies such as gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
2. Dyspeptic disorders. Caused by the abundance of fiber in dried pears. They manifest in the form of the following symptoms: nausea, diarrhea or constipation, bloating and spastic abdominal pain.
3. Allergic reactions. Are caused by increased sensitivity to individual components of the product. They manifest themselves in different ways: skin or systemic reactions. In the presence of allergic pathologies when eating pears in the anamnesis, dried fruit is contraindicated.

Dried pears are safe for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. No negative effect on the health of the fetus and child in the first few years of life was noted in any of the studies.

How to cook at home?

The recipe for cooking dried pears at home is incredibly simple. You will need:

• 3.5-4 kg of fresh pears of any (including wild) varieties;
• 3 liters of purified water;
• Sugar &8212; to taste.

The cooking scheme can be presented as follows:

1. Thoroughly rinse the pears and peel them. Remove the core. The seeds are removed when the fruit is divided into two halves.
2. Pour water into an enameled saucepan, add sugar.
3. Bring the mass to a boil, wait for the sugar to completely dissolve.
4. Add the pears and cook for about 15 minutes. The fruits should become soft (the degree of readiness can be checked with a fork).
5. Put the fruits on towels (cloth or paper). Allow to cool completely.
6. Cut the pears into pieces or rings. The thickness is within 4-7 mm.
7. Arrange the fruits on a baking sheet (preferably spread with parchment paper).
8. Put in the oven and cook for 2-2.5 hours at a temperature of 55-60 degrees. Then raise the temperature to 8 degrees and dry for 8-12 hours. It is recommended to shift the fruit with a fork or spatula every 1-2 hours.
9. The dish is ready.

For the recipe, it is better to use varieties of pears with hard flesh (Dichka, Ilyinka, Victoria).

Admission Tips

Let's look at some recommendations for the correct choice and use of dried fruits from pears:

1. Daily allowance. It is recommended to take no more than 100-150 grams of the product 2-3 times a week. You should carefully monitor the total calorie content of the daily diet.
2. The optimal time of admission. It is preferable to eat a pear during the daytime (as a snack or dessert for an afternoon snack). Taking it in the morning will lead to irritation of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, in the evening – to sleep disorders.
3. Selection in the store. It is recommended to buy dried fruit in hermetically packed containers and pay attention to the terms and rules of storage (duration – from 2 to 12 months, depends on the drying method). The color, taste and aroma can be any and depend on the variety. In high-quality pears, there should be nothing but sugar in the composition.
4. What can be combined with. Dried pears are perfectly combined with other dried fruits (figs, raisins), honey, nuts and are usually served with them. It is acceptable to add it to natural yoghurts.
5. How to store. To maximize the shelf life, put the product in a glass container with an airtight lid. Store in a cool and dark place, protected from sunlight.
6. Use in cooking. Dried pears can serve as a base for compote or jelly, be a filling for pies and other pastries. The product is perfectly combined with fresh fruits (apples, bananas), turkey and chocolate. In folk medicine, tinctures (moonshine) and decoctions are prepared on the basis of dried fruit. The decoction reduces the temperature and relieves pain, strengthens diarrhea, eliminates the symptoms of prostatitis.

Conclusion

1. Thus, dried pears are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
2. It is able to improve the functioning of the digestive system, improve eyesight and strengthen the immune system.
3. Special importance is attached to dried fruit as a means of preventing type II diabetes mellitus.